Cardinal O’Hara High School teacher and administrator, Edward Allen, who actively built up the school’s theater and music program, has died. 

Edward (Eddie) Allen, Jr. of Morton died April 1, 2022, after a courageous fight against ALS.

He was a 1977 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School and a 1981 graduate of St. Joseph University, earning a Master’s degree in 2007 from St. Joseph’s.

Allen was a gifted musician, vocalist, and a lifelong learner who thrived on playing music, comfortable with an accordion, guitar, and piano.

Throughout his high school, college, and graduate studies, he performed with fellow musicians on stage as lead singer or guitar player. He also enjoyed transposing music for other musicians.

Allen worked at George’s Music, Berwyn, and enjoyed meeting aspiring and experienced musicians.

He embarked on a teaching and administrative career with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He served as an assistant principal of student affairs at Cardinal O’Hara for 17 years.

While there, he supported student extra-curricular activities and directed the high school’s theater program for more than 20 years. Scenes from the Allen-directed Beauty and the Beast from 2014 are below, accompanied by a cut from the Broadway cast album.

Most recently, Allen served as a member of the Cardinal O’Hara mathematics department.

Allen’s full obituary is at the O’Leary Funeral Home website.